PHILIPRISING

I KNOW what you are saying Humphrey but I was simply saying that it would be possible, and indeed practical, to bring in temporary grandstands and catering facilities at both KL and Peterborough although obviously not on the scale of a major golf tournament. And, as already stated, that is exactly what they will do at the Norfolk Arena for the stock car final. Incidentally, the cost to BMW of installing their 'village' at Wentworth was around £4 million!

SPOKE to Harris about Holder incident at KL ... dirty? Certainly not as far as Chris was concerned. Just a racing incident that probably had as much to do with rain shower as anything else. CH added that his Heat 19 encounter with Holder was as good as it was because both riders had absolute trust in each other. Cannot and would not condone some behavioural issues but to suggest that Holder is a dirty rider is just rubbish. And even a former Harris associate acknowledged that he does sometimes slip off a little easily. And I would also bow to the judgement of no lesser a legend that Ove Fundin who asked me to introduce him to Holder prior to the start of the final. "He is my favourite rider," said Ove, "and I told him that he is being hard done by referees in the GP this year. He's a racer that I just love to watch."

THERE were some problems between BSI and the Showground last time SWC event held there but I hear there is a new boss who might be more accommodating. IF space is available, as it is at both Peterborough and Kings Lynn, a lot can be done. Look at how they transform golf courses for the major events. All those facilities are brought in just fir a few days.

CROATIA in the final? CORRECT

THE 2013 SWC race-off and final were originally designated for the new BV stadium but since that won't be ready in time four a trial meeting at least alternatives are now in the frame. Prague is certainly one of those as BSI and the FIM try to break the Denmark/Poland mould. But King's Lynn is not totally out of the question simply because of the quality of racing that the track produces. Obviously they would have to enhance the spectator facilities but I believe they have a stock car World Final there in 2013 when temporary grandstands will be installed. They could go in early and serve both events. But if there is concrete proof that Belle Vue's new stadium will be available for 2014 that would rule out a GB final next year. Ole Olsen is not interested in staging another final just yet (at least he wasn't before Saturday's result), Sweden have just had one and Poland have enough on their plate.

WARD seemed fine yesterday. Was given a thorough examination by a doctor (who coincidentally specialises in hand injuries) who bent his left hand in all directions without any adverse reaction from Darcy.

2.45pm ... it's stopped raining and the sky is much brighter with white, fluffy clouds sweeping across. Yesterday's practice was a bit sparse ... only Mikkel B Jensen for Denmark, just Grigory Laguta for Russia (and only then a couple of starts because he has never ridden here), three Swedes (no Jonsson) and five Aussies.

2.15pm now and it's absolutely slashing it down. This part of Sweden has had even more rain than the UK! Obviously everyone is hoping to get the meeting on. Sky have a full production team here, there are Polish league matches tomorrow. Fingers crossed that if it does go ahead it will be on a rateable track.

1.15pm here in Malilla and after heavy overnight rain it is currently dry but very overcast and muggy. Some forecasts suggest more rain, others not. Track in remarkable condition considering and there is nowhere better than here to cope with whatever is thrown at them. Huge amount of equipment, fresh shale, etc. Later they will scrap off the top surface, pack it down hard and put on a new top dressing. No doubt the attendance will be affected. People reluctant to travel and little or no cover at the G&B Arena. Stage is set for a fantastic final ... if the weather allows.

NICKI Pedersen in for Mikkel B Jensen but teams don't have to be officially nominated until after practice on Thursday

AGREE and it wasn't exactly an easy race from which Sayfutdinov took six points BRING on the Calendar girls! On second thoughts ...

WAS unbeaten in his Under 21 semi-final in Denmark today. Looks then real deal.

TRULY dull? Boy, you're hard to please.

TOO late ... she is heavily pregnant with twins

WHY all the conjecture? It's staying in Cardiff.

IN a word ... VERY!

MANY of the people I spoke to over the weekend said that, as in most European countries right now, people have less money to spend, some have been going to the Euro soccer championship but most significant was the lack of Polish representation. Last year they had Gollob, Hampel, Holta and Kolodziej. With TG on the decline and with Hampel out many of the fickle Polish fans, who want to see one of their own win, ducked out. But it is a concern. Torun's league crowds are down by 3,000. Reason? Lack of a winning team I was told. However, GP at Torun is already a sell-out with only a few of the top priced seats still available and they will go shortly.

ONE GP rider per club will not apply in Poland next year. Nice day here, very welcome after three days (Tues-Thurs) of heavy rain that left the Gorzow track literally underwater. There were still some damp patches, that rutted a little during yesterday's practice. Many riders didn't bother with all six of their sessions. Over 12,000 tickets sold but will be interesting to see how many just come on the day given the relative lack of Polish participation, although of course the main man (Gollob) is here and, it must be said, looking much better than of late after his heavy fall in Sweden. Could he become the sixth winner this year? Certainly wouldn't rule him out, it is just the sort of challenge he will relish especially in front of his own adoring public.

TEMPORARY tracks woeful ... where have you been for the past few years? Western Springs, Ullevia and Parken all great tracks this year. No doubt Cardiff will be too.

NOT what he said to me. Lots of improvements scheduled for the G&B Arena in 2013 and there must be doubts about the viability of a GP at Ullevi. Still think Malilla will be back sooner rather than later. Great news about Stockholm, however, and Warsaw is still a distinct possibility.

BECAUSE a last place rates higher than an engine failure or exclusion. Discourages riders from just pulling up if they are last. Has always been the rule so should be no argument.

DON'T be surprised if Malilla returns in 2014...

World Soccer must have gone downhill since I vacated the editor's chair! WATCHED Ole throughout his career and at all his World Finals. Vastly under-rated when people talk of speedway's greatest in my opinion. Super rider at club level, too. Wouldn't consider him dirty at all, certainly very different in just about every way to Nicki, in terms of temperament and riding style. Ole was classical, typical of riders of his era, no hanging off the side of the bike or right peg off the footrest. Brilliant round the inside line. Can recall one occasion when racing against Malcolm Simmons in an international at Reading. Simmo was hugging the white line and Ole passed him... on the inside. "Don't know how he did it," said MS afterwards."He never even touched me!" But he was never a true motorcyclist, like Briggo, Simmo, or some of the modern era. Not sure he ever really rode any motorcycle other than a speedway bike. But was and still is passionate about speedway. It's his life.

PRESUMABLY because a rider could score 16 points and not make the final whereas it is possible to win the final and go away with 15. But, as already stated, points are for the World Championship final placings ... the final determines the winner. See no problem in that and apparently nor do a lot of other people.